Camera rumors in 2024: what cameras are coming, officially and otherwise!

Things are heating up in the world of camera rumors! Maybe it's the onset of summer in the southern hemisphere, but there is so much chatter about upcoming products and it feels like new cameras are around every corner.

While there are obviously plenty of mirrorless camera rumors – particularly as Fujifilm has its next X Summit coming up this month, Panasonic is announcing a new mystery camera, and there's the Olympic season that traditionally welcomes new flagship cameras – what's even cooler is that there are so many camera rumors about DSLRs and even film cameras!

As always, camera rumors often sound too good to be true – and there's a lot of nonsense on the internet. However, more often than not, where there's smoke there tends to be fire. So take a few pinches of salt and see what's on the way in 2024!

Canon rumors 2024

Canon is always the subject of more camera rumors than any other manufacturer, in large part because it has been the most prolific photographic patenter for 38 consecutive years.

Having filled out the EOS R range with cameras like the Canon EOS R8 and Canon EOS R100, and introduced a new product line with the Canon PowerShot V10 vlogging camera, what is the industry leader working on this year?

Canon EOS R1

Conspicuous by its absence at CES, CP+ and The Photography Show, it has been reported that Canon's new flagship has been plagued by problems with pre-production cameras in the testing phase and has been delayed to Q4 of this year. It appears that the burst mode and buffer depth have been causing trouble – two things that are pretty important, going against the 120fps speeds of the Sony A9 III and Nikon Z9 / Z8.

As far as specs go… listen, I've heard everything from 85MP stacked sensors to 30MP global shutter sensors. A month after stories broke that the R1 wouldn't go global, Canon's patent for a full frame global shutter sensor appeared online – shortly after a patent for a triple-layer stacked sensor.

Personally, I think that Canon had a plan for the R1 that took some knocks when Nikon launched the Z9, and then really got knocked for a loop when the A9 III broke cover. How many times has Canon switched streams? I don't know, but it could account for all the conflicting spec leaks – and for the apparent delays due to problematic test cameras so late in the day (bearing in mind that this camera was supposed to have been announced in February, and been in people's hands in time for the Olympics).

The most recent, realistic specs are that the camera will have a 30MP stacked sensor, capable of shooting cropped bursts up to 240fps as well as 6.7K 60p video, with a 1/1,250 sec flash sync time and a completely electronic shutter.

The latter point would make sense, and is likely corroborated by Canon's patent for haptic feedback when silent shooting. I also hear that the camera will feature an even more accurate version of the Canon EOS R3's Eye Control AF, which enables you to move the focus points by looking around the EVF.

Canon EOS R5 Mark II

The reports have been all over the place on this one. The successor to the Canon EOS R5 was first thought to be arriving before the R1, then it was the second half of 2024, and now there's chatter that it could be announced in May either just before or in sync with the new flagship.

With the R1 set to concentrate on performance, the R5 Mark II will remain the company's high-resolution stills and 8K model. Reports of a 60MP sensor have given way to rumblings that it will keep the same 45MP sweet spot, but in the form of a new stacked sensor for even faster performance.

It's claimed that this will offer 60fps burst shooting and 8K 60p, which would outpace the flagship Nikon Z9 / Z8 in every way other than the low-res 120fps shooting. There have even been suggestions of 4K 240p video, but I think that feels a little pie in the sky. However, I can absolutely see the R5 eschewing a mechanical shutter in favor of a fully electronic affair.

I'm sure that the camera will keep some existing tricks such as the 400MP IBIS Hi-res shot, pre-shooting / RAW Burst, and the integration of the new horse and plane AF algorithms – along with some new AF tricks. Dual Pixel AF II will apparently be augmented by a new Digic X family processor, with AI-powered autofocus being proposed as one of the headline features of the camera.

Canon EOS R6 Mark III

In the wake of the rumors that the R1 has been delayed, guttersnipes started speculating that one of Canon's registered-but-unreleased cameras is in fact the Canon EOS R6 Mark III – though I'll be honest, I think this is a case of 2 + 2 = 22.

These rumors are based not on leaks or chatter about the camera, but by observing a series of price cuts to the R6 Mark II. The reasoning is that the R5 is being discounted, and we know that a successor is on the way (the R5 Mark II), and the R3 is being discounted (intended to be replaced by the R1), so if the R6 Mark II is being discounted then a Mark III must surely be coming!

Until I see it, I don't buy it. Sure, Canon peered to market pressure by slashing the period between the R6 and R6 Mark II, but there was a genuine need to do so (as the R6's specs didn't compare well to its direct rivals). But the R6 Mark II is a great camera with great specs for its category – it genuinely doesn't merit replacing yet.

Canon 3D VR Camera

I had a chance to talk to Canon about its prototype 360° / 180° 3D VR Camera. It's clear Canon is really doubling down on virtual reality, having introduced the Canon RF 5.2mm f/2.8L Dual Fisheye lens a couple of years ago and with a pair of APS-C 3D / VR stereoscopic lenses on the way as well.

This new camera, which physically looks like a mashup of the Dual FIsheye and the Canon PowerShot V10, combines all the tech in one: 360° / 180° 3D VR 8K capture, along with VR live streaming.

While this wasn't something Canon said to me, I've heard that the camera has a target price of under $1,000 (about £820 / AU$1,590). This is definitely something to keep an eye (or even a Dual Fisheye) on…

Canon Powershot V1, 10 Mark II, V100

Rumors of a Canon vlogging camera swirled for years until the Canon PowerShot V10 finally dropped. And with vlogging cameras being the hottest thing in the industry right now, it looks like Canon is following Sony's lead and producing a whole range of dedicated vlogging devices.

Canon PowerShot V1
An APS-C sensor will be the primary way that this flagship model differentiates itself from the mid-range V10 with its 1-inch sensor – though it is possible that the V1 will feature some flavor of Dual Pixel AF II. It has also been suggested to us that weather sealing (with new microphones, to accommodate the disrupted audio caused by water build-up) is on the agenda.

Canon PowerShot V10 Mark II
Improved autofocus, FullHD video up to 120p, along with a better solution to windshields and other accessories (compared to the slightly haphazard region-by-region products available for the current V10) are said to be coming to the Mark II.

Canon PowerShot V100
Following the naming convention of the mirrorless EOS R line, the V100 (like the Canon EOS R100) will be the entry-level model of the PowerShot vlogging family.

Canon Posture Fit

Back in 2021 Canon introduced us to Posture Fit: a concept camera that looks like a Pixar character and sits on your desk, where it keeps an eye on how you're sitting using a wide-angle lens and skeletal mapping. When it spots you starting to slouch, it flashes and wobbles and beeps on your desk to tell you to straighten up – and it'll even remind you to get up and move around, if you've been sitting too long.

After falling off the radar ever since, recently a patent was filed in Japan describing a Posture Fit that could monitor multiple subjects in its field of view – not just the person sat at the desk in front of it. Again, it's not a photographic camera (so it can't be used for spying or surveillance) but it's a very clever lifestyle device that anyone who sits in front of a computer will surely benefit from.

Canon EOS R7 Mark II

The original Canon EOS R7 is only two years old, but the manufacturer showed us with the Canon EOS R6 Mark II that it's more than willing to update a camera after two years if there's a big improvement to be made.

With the Canon EOS R7 Mark II, that big improvement looks to take the form of a new stacked APS-C sensor – which would push the OG R7's already impressive 30fps burst speed to even greater heights. With rumors that Canon is looking to update its fleet with stacked sensor in at least three cameras – and the potential of its newly designed triple-layer stacked sensor – this could be very exciting for sports and wildlife shooters.

Canon EOS R3 Mark II

With the reports that the R1 won't use a global shutter sensor, could it be that the technology debuts in the next version of the EOS R3? It would make sense. The R1 is expected to be an all-purpose powerhouse, with high resolution and ISO sensitivity rather than just all-out speed. Global shutter sensors are designed to be fast, but the compromise is a higher base ISO and more restricted sensitivity.

The R3, meanwhile, is very specifically a speed-oriented sports camera. And with speed a priority over megapixels or ISO, a global shutter sensor feels like a much better fit in this product line. However, rumors suggest that we shouldn't expect a Canon EOS R3 Mark II until at least 2025.

Canon RE-1

Fujifilm and Olympus have been doing it for years. Nikon has done it with the Nikon Zf and Nikon Z fc. And Canon could be the next manufacturer to produce a vintage-styled mirrorless camera – possibly a modern version of the iconic Canon AE-1.

"I can't say yes or no, but as you say, some consumers are particularly fond of some of the best-selling models of the past, their design and appearance," said a Canon exec when asked if the company would produce a retro-style camera. "In addition, you can see that our EOS body, whether in appearance or operability, has been improved by listening to customer feedback and requests. We attach great importance to the fact that there is a consumer base that wants a retro body."

Such importance, in fact, that Canon conducted a market survey asking which of its film cameras customers would like to see made digital. Some posited options were the Canon P, Canon F-1, Canonet QL17… and the Canon AE-1. Fingers crossed!

Canonet

With the ongoing rollercoaster success of the Fujifilm X100VI, not to mention the Leica Q3 and Ricoh GR III, it's been proven that premium fixed-lens compact cameras are here to stay. And, given that all the above models are on perennial back-order, there's a massive gap in the market for someone to take advantage.

Enter Canon, which reportedly has an "active, even if just exploratory" ongoing project about launching its own fixed-lens APS-C camera – a description that seems a perfect fit to resurrect the iconic Canonet product line (which includes the Canonet G III QL17, pictured above).

Canon wearable neck camera

Wearable cameras are big business, and Canon has designed an intriguing one that's worn around the neck. Ostensibly for use in the manufacturing and maintenance industries, this adjustable camera features a laser indicator to show where the point of focus is and ensure that the right area is in frame – meaning that there are a wealth of consumer possibilities for the device as well.

This is one we're really intrigued by. As we've seen from the likes of the Canon PowerShot Zoom, Canon PowerShot Pick and Canon PowerShot V10, the manufacturer is increasingly bringing these intriguing concept cameras to market – and we really hope this new wearable follows suit.

Canon drone

In March 2022 Canon submitted an application for a patent for a product that is a drive device, an electronic device and an image pickup device with a mobile body.

From the illustrative diagrams included in the application, it looks like the design of the camera unit could be very similar to that of the Canon Powershot Pick – an AI-powered camera capable of recording both video and stills. It automatically detects movement, can track a subject and can be controlled using voice commands.

The Powershot Pick features an 11.7MP camera, has advanced face recognition, connects to a purpose-made app and is compact, lightweight and portable – all of which are features that would be desirable on a drone camera.

Canon EOS C50 and C90

Want more Cinema EOS? The Canon EOS C50 and C90 are supposedly set to join the Canon EOS C70 and Canon EOS R5C in the RF-mount cine cam lineup.

These have been long rumored, but are yet to make their expected debut at any of the broadcast trade shows where a launch would make sense. This could be due to the ongoing component crisis, of course.

The Canon verdict

What we think: Canon has gone all in on EOS R, discontinuing DSLR development and culling the EOS M line completely. The flagship EOS R1 is finally coming, as is a new R5, but you should also brace for more category-expanding PowerShot cameras like the V10 and Zoom, as Canon looks to broaden its appeal beyond the core camera crowd.

More camera rumors: Nikon rumors • Sony rumors • Olympus rumors • Fuji rumors • Panasonic rumors • Sigma rumors • Hasselblad rumors • Leica rumors • Ricoh rumors

Canon EOS R5 Mark II

Nikon rumors 2024

The Nikon rumors have, of late, all come to fruition – which only gives further credence to the old "where there's smoke, there's fire" adage.

Longstanding rumors about the Nikon Z8 came to pass, and it was indeed a "baby Z9" as rumored. Likewise, we got the oft-rumored Nikon Zf – a full-frame version of the Nikon Z fc, which itself was a mirrorless version of the Nikon Df (read our Nikon Zf vs Z fc comparison to see the differences).

With the Z lineup now comprising everything from entry-level to professional to prestige retro cameras, what are the latest Nikon rumors as 2024 gets underway?

"Yellow" Red camera

In case you haven't heard, Nikon just acquired Red – the cinema camera powerhouse that is a pretty big player in Hollywood and filmmaking in general.

What does this mean for the future – will Nikon leverage its new cinema stronghold to launch a line of Nikon cinema cameras, the way Canon and Sony do? Will it start adding the Nikon branding to Red products? Will it start releasing Red cameras with the Z mount, rather than the Canon RF mount that has just been offered?

Nobody yet knows, but Nikon didn't spend all that money on Red for no reason. It just became a big deal in the cinema world, so big things are going to happen…

Nikon Z9H

Nikon Rumors don't get any wilder than this! A report from late last year claims that a special high-speed version of the Nikon Z9 – potentially called the Nikon Z9H – will be launched in time for next year's Olympics. I'm highly suspicious of this, but it's being talked about enough to make it worth including for discussion here.

The "H" is ostensibly a nod to the suffix Nikon used to give to its flagship cameras to denote particular performance specialisms – such as the Nikon D1H, which was a speed-oriented upgrade of the base D1.

The report notes that the new camera will have a 22-23MP sensor and "will be Nikon's fastest FX-format camera", positing that it might possess a global shutter like the Sony A9 III. It would certainly seem strange for Sony (Nikon's sensor provider) to share its global shutter tech with a rival so soon, but stranger things have happened!

Nikon Z6 III

Rumors have swirled about the Z6 III for some time, without many concrete details. Of late, though, we've heard chatter that it could have a lot in common with the Zf – which is interesting, given that the Zf shares so much with the Nikon Z6 II.

Principally that would mean we're looking at new tricks like 96MP pixel shift shooting (from the same 24.5MP sensor), Focus Point VR (which uses the focus point to inform and improve the in-body image stabilization system) pre-release capture (that takes shots before you fully depress the shutter button), along with the new subject recognition routines for the autofocus system.

The latest reports suggest that it will feature 7 stops of in-body image stabilization, burst shooting at up to 40fps full-frame or 120fps, and 12-bit 6K 60p and 4K 120p – all of which would continue the Z6's reputation as Nikon's hybrid shooting solution. It will also feature the halfway house CFexpress Type B and SD card memory tag team, enabling users to graduate to the more expensive memory format rather than having it as a requirement.

Nikon Z90

Said to be the mirrorless equivalent of the venerable Nikon D500, this is the designated "APS-C flagship" of Nikon's Z series cameras – and is set to be a direct competitor to the Canon EOS R7.

Taking advantage of the 1.5x crop factor's amplification of focal length, the Nikon Z90 is reportedly built around a 33MP DX sensor capable of oversampled 4K 60p video (as well as FullHD at either 120p or 180p) and 15fps burst shooting.

Other supposed specs include 6 stops of in-body image stabilization, a 3.2-inch tilt-only touchscreen, and a hybrid memory card combo with one CFexpress B and one SD slot.

This is a camera that Nikon desperately needs in its lineup, so I would expect this – or something similar to it – to come to market sooner than later.

Nikon Z4

Take plenty of salt with this long-in-the-tooth scuttlebutt, as advised by Nikon Rumors. The site reports that this is an EVF-free camera along the lines of the Sony A7C – "think Z50 but with an FX-format sensor". It is said to be smaller (63 x 129 x 96mm) and lighter (565g) than the Nikon Z5, and may even be an "iCamera" with all-new interface and potentially apps. However, as Nikon's recent re-strategizing has seen the company move away from entry-level mirrorless, this one might be a relic of past concepts.

Nikon 1000fps 4K camera

Frames per second hadn't been Nikon's forte up until the release of the Z9, but the change looks set to continue with the advent of an astonishing new 4K sensor that can capture up to 1000fps – all while delivering what Nikon calls "the world's highest levels of sensor performance".

"This new stacked CMOS image sensor uses a fine-pitch wafer level wire connection technology consistent with the 2.7 um pixel size," Nikon told us. "Also, it has a total pixel count of approximately 17.8 megapixels that realizes 4K × 4K high-resolution imaging of 1,000 frames per second and 110-dB high dynamic range (HDR) characteristics. This is one of the widest dynamic ranges in the industry."

The caveats are that this is a one-inch sensor, and is likely to be intended for industry rather than consumer use. However, with Nikon working on such bleeding-edge technology, it could open some very interesting doors for its consumer cameras going forward.

The Nikon verdict

What we think: Nikon has struck gold with the Z8 and Z9 pro cameras, and the Zf and Zf c retro cameras – and it knows it. With the company working hard to claw back market share, we wouldn't be surprised to see more of a focus on these areas in particular. The Z6 III feels like the next big release, though that Z9H feels ever so slightly dubious right now.

More camera rumors: Canon rumors • Sony rumors • Olympus rumors • Fuji rumors • Panasonic rumors • Sigma rumors • Hasselblad rumors • Leica rumors • Ricoh & Pentax rumors • GoPro rumors

Fujifilm rumors 2024

The Fujifilm rumors are as reliable as a Japanese train at this point, with plenty of water cooler talk proving to be prescient.

As was extensively rumored, the Fujifilm X100VI was launched just before CP+ 2024 while the Instax Mini 99 was launched days before The Photography & Video Show 2024 – and they're both already proving some of the most successful launches of the year.

With rumors that Fujifilm is set to unleash even more cameras this year – and with it being responsible for some of the best medium format cameras – what else is on the way from the creative powerhouse?

Fujifilm GFX 100S II

Many people assumed that the recent Fujifilm GFX 100 II had merged the GFX 100 and GFX 100S lines, but it appears that we'll be getting a successor to the company's sophomore 100MP camera after all.

This would certainly make sense, as the original GFX 100S is discounted by $1,600 in the US and slashed by £1,000 in the UK, suggesting that Fujifilm is clearing stock ahead of an announcement. I have no idea what a 100S II could offer that isn't already covered by the 100 II – unless perhaps Fujifilm makes it the budget alternative, stripping away features like in-body stabilization to shave the price down. It will be interesting to see what happens this month!

Fujifilm X-T50

Traditionally Fujifilm has released "big brother, little brother" versions of its X-T line. We had the Fujifilm X-T1 and X-T10, the Fujifilm X-T2 and X-T20, the Fujifilm X-T3 and X-T30 (and X-T30 II)… but it all stopped with the Fujifilm X-T4.

It's been over two years since we saw a new member of this family, but I think a smaller and slightly stripped-down version of the brilliant Fujifilm X-T5 – or potentially an X-T60 to accompany the new X-T6 – would be very warmly welcomed by the market.

No more entry level cameras (X-Txxx and X-Ex)?

There is conflicting chatter on the future of Fujifilm's entry-level cameras – mainly because there is conflicting ideology withing the industry as a whole on the future of entry-level cameras. Indeed, it is increasingly accepted that traditional entry-level cameras are an endangered species because vlogging cameras are the new entry-level cameras.

So what, then, of successors to the Fujifilm X-T200 and Fujifilm X-E4? It depends who you listen to.

Japanese execs told DP Review that "We haven’t lost focus on any of our existing range, so we’re always thinking about what will be next for us," when asked about the X-E series. However, a French exec told Phototrend that, "If we have decided to stop entry-level products such as X-T200 or X-E4, it is because it is not promising as a market."

Reading between the lines, it does feel as if these lines' days may be numbered. (It has long been rumored that these two camera lines had been outsourced to manufacturer Xacti, and weren't produced by Fujifilm anyway.)

Fujifilm X-Pro4

With no sign of the Fujifilm X-Pro4 on the horizon, and rumors that the manufacturer has stopped production of the Fujifilm X-Pro3, could this be the end of the line for the beloved rangefinder series?

Fujifilm wanted the X-Pro3 to be a camera that made you “rely more on your instincts” so, in a bold move, it removed the standard rear screen for a 'hidden' one that you had to flip out. Needless to say, not everyone loved this change. And although there has been no official announcement from Fujifilm, the X-Pro3 has been listed as discontinued by a number of retailers. And with the X-T5 and X-H2 being such phenomenal cameras, is there still demand for the quirky X-Pro line?

Instax Wide 400

While Fujifilm has constantly updated its Instax Mini line, its (literally) bigger brother has barely received any attention at all. The Instax Wide 300 was launched back in 2015 and, aside from a Toffee-colored paintjob (above) released in 2020, there hasn't been a new Wide camera in well over half a decade.

However, the launch of the Instax Link Wide printer shows that Fujifilm is taking a renewed interest in the line. Could a new Instax Wide be on the horizon? It certainly makes sense.

The Fujifilm verdict

Fujifilm spent last year shoring up three of its four corners: GFX, APS-C and Instax. We thoroughly expect that the X100 series will be the next point of focus!

More camera rumors: Canon rumors • Nikon rumors • Sony rumors • Olympus rumors • Panasonic rumors • Sigma rumors • Hasselblad rumors • Leica rumors • Ricoh & Pentax rumors • GoPro rumors

Sony rumors 2024

The Sony rumors are flying thick and fast. Even though the launch of the new flagship Sony A9 III has squashed some of the most recent chatter, it has ignited all new rumors in other departments!

There's also a lot of movement in the world of vlogging cameras, which is increasingly the noisiest area of the industry. And with the company doubling down on this category, the Sony rumors are super strong when it comes to content creation.

Sony A1 II

With the original Sony A1 having been launched at the start of 2021, we're not realistically looking at a replacement until 2025 – which probably means an announcement late next year at the earliest. That hasn't, however, stopped the early rumors surfacing… thanks mostly to the launch of the A9 III.

With the flagship sports camera featuring the debut of Sony's full-frame global shutter sensor, there is already chatter (and rightly so) that the Sony A1 II will likewise feature a global shutter. However, where the speed-oriented A9 II restricted resolution to 24.6MP, the A1 II is tipped to feature the same pixel-oriented sensor in the 50MP range.

Sony A7S IV

The Sony A7S III was launched back in October 2020, meaning that the video-centric Alpha camera is long overdue a refresh (though arguably it's already had at least three, in the guide of the Sony FX3, Sony FX6 and Sony ZV-E1, all of which have the same sensor and all but the latter have much the same features).

Good thing, then, that the long-awaited successor is currently rumored to release in 2024 – apparently later in the year, which would seem to sync nicely with the October launch of its predecessor.

Some extremely salt-worthy rumors have been whispered, including the omission of 8K (which would be unusual for Sony's video flagship) and the debut of a new dual-layer sensor. Could the latter point actually be referring to a global shutter sensor, as seen in the A9II? Most recently I've heard that it could feature a new 40MP sensor, giving it a massive resolution jump on its predecessor.

On the other hand…

Sony FX3 II (instead of an A7S IV?)

It's long been rumored that another FX camera is on the way, and the current chat is that it's going to be the FX3 II. However, what's really interesting is the suggestion that we might actually get an FX3 II instead of an A7S IV rather than in addition to it.

Whether both cameras make it to market or not, it's very plausible that they share the same architecture – given that the FX3 and FX6 were in many ways rebodied A7S IIIs. Whether Sony decides to keep the A7S series alive or merge it with the content-come-cinema halfway house of the FX3 line will be very interesting.

Rumors from China suggest that the camera will have a 12MP global shutter sensor, which seems more than a little outlandish to me. When it comes to camera rumors, Chinese whispers are about as reliable as the stereotype – but given that Sony has thrown its weight behind global shutter tech, it's not out of the question.

Sony A7 V

While little is known about the successor to 2021's Sony A7 IV, it is rumored that the A7 V will be announced at the end of this year. And there has been chatter from multiple sources that it could feature a 49MP sensor, which would certainly be a big leap from the 33MP of its predecessor – and big enough to tread on the toes of the 45MP Canon EOS R5 and Nikon Z8, but not enough to topple the resolution throne of the 61MP Sony A7R V.

More ZV cameras

Eyebrows were raised when it was revealed that 48% of Sony's sales come now from vlogging cameras, but that explains why the company dropped five successive ZV cameras (known as Vlogcam in Japan) in such short order. And it also tells you what to expect from the company, as vlogging cameras are responsible for the post-pandemic recovery of the industry, being the only sector that's actually experiencing growth.

Thus, more Sony ZV cameras are coming. Given its wild popularity, a successor to the Sony ZV-E10 seems a likely first candidate – and I've already heard rumblings that the ZV-E10 II will have a 26MP sensor (likely the same as the A6700 and upcoming A6200), giving it a very slight bump from the 24.2MP of its predecessor.

Check out the current range in our Sony ZV-1 vs ZV-1F vs ZV-E10 vs ZV-E1 comparison.

Sony A6200

Expected to arrive in the summer, the Sony A6200 is said to possess the same excellent 26MP image sensor as the Sony A6700 – which is also apparently finding its way into the ZV-10 II (above).

My question is, does Sony – or the consumer, for that matter – really want or need both cameras?

New Sony RX1

If you've been waiting for an affordable alternative to the Leica Q3, you might be in luck. Sony Rumors has speculated that we could see Sony resurrect its full-frame compact camera line, with a new RX1 – which would be the first since 2016's RX1R II.

Compact cameras have been seeing a resurgence of late, thanks to the likes of the Q3 and Fujifilm X100V, so it would be interesting to see what Sony brings to the party.

The Sony verdict

What we think: This looks to be a video-centric year in the form of new A7S, FX and ZV cameras, but could Sony also resurrect its full-frame compact to cash in on the current X100VI / Q3 / GR III craze?

More camera rumors: Canon rumors • Nikon rumors • Olympus rumors • Fuji rumors • Panasonic rumors • Sigma rumors • Hasselblad rumors • Leica rumors • Ricoh & Pentax rumors • GoPro rumors

Olympus rumors 2024 (OM System)

Technically "Olympus rumors" are "OM System rumors", but old habits die hard!

We've had two years to get used to the new name, and the last ever camera to bear the Olympus logo (the OM System OM-1) has now been replaced (by the freshly announced OM System OM-1 Mark II).

After launching its new flagship in the first half of the year, rumor is that OM will be dropping another new camera in the second half – and I'm intrigued as to what it will be. My fingers are crossed for a new (and long overdue) member of the PEN family, but equally we could be looking at another SLR-style camera.

So, what does 2024 hold for one of the most storied legacies in the photographic industry? Let's see what's in the pipeline…

OM System OM-10

The OM System OM-10 seemed to be the next most obvious camera to be announced. After the transmogrification of the OM-D EM-1 and E-M5 to the OM System OM-1 and OM-5, it felt like the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV was next in line to be reborn.

Except, it hasn't happened. And perhaps it never will. The E-M5 was the original OM-D, and a truly pioneering mirrorless camera, when it launched in 2012. It was followed by the first E-M1 in 2013 as a professional model, then the OG E-M10 in 2014 as the entry-level member of the family.

As the generations progressed, however, the product line became increasingly incestuous, with the different models leapfrogging each other in terms of the features they offered – leading to a slightly muddy product lineup where the E-M10 felt like the odd man out.

It feels like there may not be a demand for an OM-10 in the current market, with a much cleaner delineation now existing between the OM-1 as the flagship and the OM-5 as the enthusiast model. And then whatever happens with the PEN series…

OM System PEN

Speaking of things that haven't happened yet, despite widespread expectation (and confirmation) that they would, we come to the PEN line of cameras. Under the Olympus regime, there were two tiers of interchangeable mirrorless cameras: the OM-D series of SLR-styled performance cameras (with an EVF), and the PEN series of rangefinder-style, fashion-first cameras (typically without an EVF).

While the OM-D series (now the OM range) was aimed at a core photography crowd, the PEN cameras were geared towards creators, street shooters and entry-level users… with the exception of the powerhouse Olympus PEN-F, which was a prestige camera and has become a cult classic. PEN cameras were (and, in fact, remain) blockbuster sellers in Japan, but never found much success in the US. Indeed, the most recent camera – the brilliant Olympus PEN E-P7 – wasn't even released in the States.

In any case, OM Digital Solutions confirmed that the PEN line would continue after it purchased the camera business from Olympus – but that was years ago, now, and we haven't seen a peep of a new PEN. The company has teased interest in a PEN-F successor in various interviews, and even briefings with the press, but nothing official has been said… until now.

"In Japan and Asia we continue to sell PEN E-P7," OM executive Kazuhiro Togashi told DP Review. "The E-P7 is small, with compact bright lenses, making it highly advantageous for travel photography. Therefore, we’ll reinforce such products in our lineup in the future." Which gives a glimmer of hope that we might get a new PEN.

However, given OM System's overt rebranding as an outdoor and adventure camera company, a new PEN doesn't seem to make sense. OM is courting landscape and wildlife shooters, not street photographers or the influencer crowd – despite PEN cameras being such an obvious alternative to the Fujifilm X100VI.

Togashi did note that "our definition of outdoor use extends beyond just the adventurous; it encompasses outdoor activities in everyday life as well," adding that "we’d like to try to expand the scope of people enjoying cameras for travels or for everyday use to capture scenery."

In short… who the hell knows what's happening. But I'm way more interested in a new PEN than I am anything else!

OM System OM-1X

Rumors arose late last year that OM Digital was working on a new powerhouse camera for 2024. However, we've just seen the new flagship OM-1 Mark II – and it was definitely an iterative update of the original. So, could the OM-1X be the big boy camera that's been whispered about?

It would be the spiritual successor to the Olympus OM-D E-M1X, which was the company's co-flagship camera for a time (sitting alongside the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II). It possessed a pro body with integrated vertical grip, as well as twin processors to power the then-new features like Deep Learning AF and software-driven ND filters.

As such, I can see the manufacturer launching an OM-1X to sit next to the OM OM-1 Mark II as an all-guns-blazing option for professionals needing as much horsepower as possible. Hopefully with a new sensor and more megapixels (as Panasonic managed with the G9 II)…

The OM System verdict

While the original OM-1 was a huge hit with reviewers and consumers alike, since then the OM-5, Tough TG-7 and most recently the OM-1 Mark II have been criticized for being too iterative. Customers are questioning how much the company is willing or able to push the envelope – now it's up to OM to provide an answer.

More camera rumors: Canon rumors • Nikon rumors • Sony rumors • Fuji rumors • Panasonic rumors • Sigma rumors • Hasselblad rumors • Leica rumors • Ricoh & Pentax rumors • GoPro rumors

Panasonic rumors 2024

The Panasonic rumors are still swirling, with the manufacturer having plenty to whisper about when it comes to both full frame mirrorless cameras and Micro Four Thirds cameras.

Last year saw a gigantic shift from Panasonic, as the company has at long last accepted that phase detect autofocus is what the market demands. As such, we've seen the AF incorporated in both the Panasonic S5II and Panasonic S5IIX, as well as the long-awaited Panasonic G9 II.

So, what can we expect this year from the first manufacturer to make a mirrorless camera certified by Netflix? Here are the latest Panasonic rumors…

Panasonic Lumix S9

Panasonic will be announcing a new camera on May 23, and it's going to be the Lumix S9 – a super compact L Mount camera, even smaller than the Fujifilm X100VI but with interchangeable lenses, aimed at the same audience of influencers.

Initially rumored to be a full-frame fixed lens camera, it's believed that Panasonic will announce a new lens on the same day – perhaps a matching super compact lens, to make the whole outfit as tiny as the X100VI.

It's being reported that the S9 will use the same 24.2MP full-frame sensor as seen in the S5II and S5IIX, and will eschew a viewfinder both to keep the size down and because the target audience will be using the rear screen. That audience will also appreciate the multiple color options that the camera will be available in (wild guess based on the video below, but those colors could be red, green, blue and white).

It is also being said that the camera's killer feature will be the integration of straightforward LUT features, with a dedicated LUT button – perhaps similar in principle to the Film Simulation dial featured on Fujifilm's next camera.

LUTs sound cool, but also very video-y – and we know that the DNA of the S5II sensor is video-oriented. Does that mean features like open-gate recording be carried over?

Check out the official teaser currently posted on Lumix's Japanese X (Twitter) account:

Panasonic Lumix S1R II (S2R?)

Rumor is that the Panasonic S1R II (in some places being referred to as the S2R) is going to be a rebodied Leica SL3, launching in the second half of 2024. And a fascinating report claims an agreement between the two companies that, unlike the past (where Panasonic released its camera first), Leica got timed exclusivity on the technology this year.

In case you were unaware, the Leica SL2 and Panasonic S1R were essentially the same camera. Leica has a history of rebadging Panasonic cameras, such as the Leica V-Lux 5 (a Panasonic FZ1000 with a red dot on the front) and Leica D-Lux 7 (a Panasonic LX100 II in a new body).

So, if history again repeats and the two cameras are spec-identical, the Lumix S1R II is going to be a 60MP camera, potentially with triple resolution (30MP and 18MP), 8K 30p video and phase detect autofocus.

Panasonic Lumix LX200

If you've read the Leica Rumors page, you'll know that a new Leica D-Lux 8 compact camera is on the way. And if you know your Leica history, you'll know that D-Lux cameras have been rebodied versions of Lumix compacts; the D-Lux 7 was a LX100 II, the D-Lux 109 was an LX100, the D-Lux 6 was an LX7…

In short, Leica copies / upcycles / reimagines Lumix compacts to make its D-Lux cameras. This year, though, there is no new Lumix compact to do that with. So what's going on?

Well, much as the Leica SL3 was the first time that a Leica SL came out before the Lumix equivalent (see above), it could be that the D-Lux 8 will come out ahead of Panasonic's version this year – and give us a preview of what it will look like.

All we know about the D-Lux 8 so far is that it might feature a new 24-70mm lens to replace the 24-75mm f/1.7-2.8 lens of the D-Lux 7 / LX100 II. I would also hope / expect it to feature phase detect autofocus, and a resolution boost to the current 17MP Micro Four Thirds sensor.

Panasonic Lumix G100 II

While the Panasonic G100D launched late last year, it's a very minor update with a new EVF and USB-C port. However, it's been reported that a full Panasonic G100 II is on the way.

It will apparently possess phase detect autofocus – something that was sorely, sorely missing on the original, which was marketed as a vlogging camera but often struggled to keep vloggers in focus. It will also feature the same 25.1MP image sensor as the Panasonic Lumix G9 II and boast 4K 60p 4:2:2 10-bit video, but keep the same single memory card setup.

Panasonic Lumix S1 II & S1 IIX

The flagship Panasonic Lumix S1 has been discontinued, and it's also five years old, which means that a successor is almost certainly on the way. And some wild specs have surfaced suggesting that we might actually get two successors, following the template set by the hugely successful S5 II and S5 IIX.

We could be looking at a 34MP stacked CMOS sensor in a smaller, weather-sealed, magnesium-constructed body with an active cooling system and built-in ND filters, and video that offers both 6K and 4K uncropped at 120fps.

Panasonic Lumix S1H II

There are whispers afoot that a successor to the Panasonic Lumix S1H, the company's full-frame video specialist, is on the way. It is being suggested that the camera could have a 50MP sensor, along with a much-needed bump to CFexpress for at least one of its dual memory card slots.

However, while 50MP is enough resolution for 8K video, don't get your hopes up for 8K support; as outlined below, Panasonic doesn't believe there is sufficient demand for 8K yet. Instead, the S1H will focus on oversampled 6K and 4K.

An interesting development is that Panasonic has patented a camera with built-in ND filters – something usually reserved for cinema cameras (or, bizarrely, the Ricoh GR III). That would be a killer feature in the S1H II, and would make a huge amount of sense.

Panasonic Lumix GH7

The Panasonic GH5 was released in 2017, the Panasonic GH5 II in 2021 as a stopgap, then the Panasonic GH6 finally came in 2022. So is a Panasonic GH7 in 2024 coming a bit too soon?

Given how very good the GH6 is, it certainly feels a bit fast to put out a replacement. However, something pretty significant happened not long after the GH6 hit the market: Panasonic finally embraced phase detect autofocus, addressing the sole technological Achilles' heel that has been holding its cameras back.

So, the company's hugely successful GH line needs this new tech. However, rather than releasing a GH6 II, it is rumored that Panasonic is looking to jump straight to a GH7 – no doubt incorporating many of the tricks introduced by the Panasonic G9 II.

Again, just don't go expecting 8K…

Panasonic Lumix S5R

Recently there has been mention of an entirely new camera: the Panasonic S5R. This is an interesting one, as it would mark a divergence from manufacturer's previous product segmentation: the flagship Panasonic S1 (recently discontinued), the resolution-focused Panasonic S1R, the video-focused Panasonic S1H and the enthusiast-level Panasonic S5.

Of course, when the Panasonic S5 II became the company's first camera to feature phase detect autofocus, it threw the wider product line into disarray – to the point where the S5 series may not be the primary point of interest.

Indeed, the Panasonic S5 IIX is so video-savvy that many question the need for the S1H II. And now, with chatter of a resolution-oriented S5R, it feels as if the market is demanding the S5 as its champion and leading Panasonic in a different direction.

Panasonic Lumix S1X

If you think the S5R rumor seems like a stretch, then you're going to love the reports of a Panasonic S1X. It feels super sketchy to us; at least there is some merit to the thought process of Panasonic expanding the newly successful S5 product line, but to introduce another new one? Not impossible, just implausible.

Much like the whispered specs, as shared by L-Rumors, which include the likes of a 49MP BSI sensor, 8.5K 48p video, 60fps bursts, 17 stops of dynamic range and omnidirectional phase detect autofocus. More salt, please, waiter…

The Panasonic verdict

It may feel like hyperbole, but now that Panasonic has embraced phase detect autofocus it really is in the hunt (pun intended). The Micro Four Thirds product line feels increasingly sidelined in favor of the full frame bodies, with the Lumix S1R II set to continue the trend when it appears in the second half of the year (likely looking very Leica-like).

More camera rumors: Canon rumors • Nikon rumors • Sony rumors • Olympus rumors • Fuji rumors • Sigma rumors • Hasselblad rumors • Leica rumors • Ricoh & Pentax rumors • GoPro rumors

Sigma rumors 2024

After delivering the full-frame mirrorless Sigma fp, a highly conceptual modular camera featuring a 24.6MP Bayer sensor that literally fits in your pocket (without a lens, obviously) Sigma announced at CP+ 2019 that it would release a 61MP camera using its own proprietary Foveon sensor (an interesting choice, in our book, as we've never been sold on what the tech delivers).

After confirming that the camera would release in 2020, those plans were derailed when Sigma scrapped all its work on the Foveon sensor and started over completely from scratch. And it seems that those plans are little closer to fruition, with Sigma confirming that it has terminated its relationship with its previous sensor partner and will now be handling development in-house.

It did, however, release a 61MP camera with a conventional image sensor in the form of the Sigma fp L in 2021. So can we expect anything new in the way of camera bodies this year?

No Foveon camera in 2024

Another year, another Foveon delay – or rather, the same Foveon impasse. There's a reason that Sigma hasn't announced any updates since 2022: there haven't been any, because the project is largely stuck.

The company has stalled at stage two of sensor development (prototyping a smaller sensor) due in large part to the manufacturing process – and the biggest part of that is actually finding a manufacturing partner, having ended its relationship with the company that had previously produced Foveon sensors dating back to 2016.

"Back in 2016, we made a contract with a new manufacturing partner, which [is] based in America, and we developed the new sensor," Sigma CEO Kazuto Yamaki told PetaPixel.

"But in the middle of development we found some fundamental issues in pixel architecture and also [the] manufacturing method that we were studying. That’s why we stopped the project and transferred the development [to Japan].

Yamaki noted that COVID and the long-running silicon shortage caused problems with development, but ultimately Sigma needs a manufacturing partner to proceed.

"We make most of the parts – almost all parts required for camera and lenses – but we cannot make the sensor, so we need to find the right manufacturing partner. And we have not found it."

Despite the project being in gestation for so long, a finished product is still a long way off. "At least a few years, minimum," Yamaki stated. "Please know that our engineers are still working hard to make it happen… But right now, I personally cannot guarantee to go to mass production at this moment, but the engineers are still working hard."

Full frame Foveon sensor timeline

Sigma first promised an L-mount Foveon full-frame camera at Photokina 2018, during the birth of the L-mount Alliance. In 2019 it announced that it would launch this 61MP camera in 2020.

However, the camera – and perhaps the future of Foveon sensor technology in general – was dealt a massive blow in 2020. "As a result of careful and rigorous testing based on the latest development information, it has become clear that the launch of such a camera would be infeasible within this year," said CEO Kazuto Yamaki.

In 2021 Sigma clarified the extent to which its plans had been abandoned – revealing that it had terminated its relationship with its sensor manufacturing partner.

"In February 2020 we announced our decision to restart the full-frame X3 sensor technology," said Yamaki. "Due to a critical flaw we judged that we couldn’t go into mass product, and scrapped all the schematics and all the tooling for it. And then we restarted the project from the beginning.

"This restart of the project included the revision of the image sensor specification that we had worked on, which was Foveon X3 1:1:1 technology – 20MP x3. Also we have terminated the contract with the sensor manufacturer with whom we had been collaborating."

Yamaki further confirmed that, while development of the sensor continues, specifications are not yet finalized – and that development had not yet extended to the camera system itself.

"At present, we are fully engaged in the research and development of the full-frame X3 sensor technology led by our head office. We are also reviewing the sensor’s specifications that meet the expectations of customers today. Although we have not proceeded to the development of a camera system, we will do our utmost effort to create a camera in which we have full confidence."

Another update from Yamaki came at CP+ 2022.

"Based on the evaluation results of the prototype sensor, we will decide whether to proceed to Stage 3 [final prototype evaluation using a full-frame sensor] or to review the design data and re-prototype Stage 2 [prototyping a smaller sensor]. When we proceed to Stage 3, we will verify the mass-producibility of the sensor with research institutes and manufacturing vendors based on the evaluation results, and then make a final decision on whether or not to mass-produce the image sensor.

"Although we have not yet reached the stage where we can announce a specific schedule for the mass production of the image sensor, we are determined to do our best to realize a camera that will truly please our customers who are waiting for it, as soon as possible."

Most recently, Yamaki said in July 2023 that the Foveon sensor will arrive "this year" – however, that is an update for the sensor alone, rather than a camera containing it. And still, the wait continues…

Sigma APS-C camera

While the news that the company had literally gone back to the drawing board in terms of its full-frame Foveon camera, the company has previously stated that it is considering an APS-C L-mount camera – one that may or may not use Foveon sensor technology.

"We might even use an APS-C sensor again," said Sigma, noting that "If we find another very good sensor we might use it as well but Foveon belongs to Sigma so in the future we will continue to develop the Foveon sensor cameras. Maybe from time to time we may use another type of sensor but so far we haven't had such plans."

Foveon or not, it seems that an APS-C camera may be much closer to fruition for Sigma right now. And while an L-mount camera with an APS-C sensor would be an unorthodox move, Sigma's traditional Foveon sensors have been slightly smaller than APS-C size – with the Sigma SD Quattro H using a larger APS-H 51MP sensor (with a spatial resolution of 25.5MP).

With the future of the 61MP (if that's even still the plan) full-frame camera up in the air, an APS-C Sigma camera might well be next on the horizon.

The Sigma verdict

While Sigma has successfully delivered the intriguing fp L, the future of its troubled Foveon camera – and Foveon technology in general – appears to be fairly rocky right now. Will we ever see this technology materialize? We don't see Sigma giving up on cameras, but its past releases have always been experimental and avant-garde designs aimed at auteurs rather than the mass market, and we don't see that changing any time soon.

More camera rumors: Canon rumors • Nikon rumors • Sony rumors • Olympus rumors • Fuji rumors • Panasonic rumors • Hasselblad rumors • Leica rumors • Ricoh & Pentax rumors • GoPro rumors

Hasselblad rumors 2024

Once the go-to name for medium format photography, Hasselblad has given ground to Fujifilm in recent years thanks to affordable cameras like the Fujifilm GFX 100S and Fujifilm GFX 50S II democratizing the larger sensor landscape (even if these aren't true medium format sensors in strict size terms).

Hasselblad still makes some of the best medium format cameras in the world, though, and continues to bring to market more traditional form factors such as the Hasselblad 907X – keeping not just the technology, but the spirit of medium format photography alive.

As rumored, the Swedish imaging specialist has just launched the Hasselblad 907X & CFV 100C – pairing the existing 907X camera with a brand new 100MP digital back (the CFV 100C), using the same image sensor as the rather brilliant Hasseblad X2D 100C.

The CFV 100C can also be used with legacy Hasselblad film bodies, such as the 500C, as well as technical cameras – making it a supremely versatile digital back.

The Hasselblad verdict

With the rumor being realized that a 100MP digital back was on the way, we're probably looking to Hasselblad's next camera phone collaborations (most recently seen in the OnePlus 12 and Oppo Find N3) for the next big rumor dump.

More camera rumors: Canon rumors • Nikon rumors • Sony rumors • Olympus rumors • Fuji rumors • Panasonic rumors • Sigma rumors • Leica rumors • Ricoh & Pentax rumors • GoPro rumors

Leica rumors 2024

The year started with a bang, thanks to the much-leaked launch of the Leica SL3. This followed a suitably stylish year in 2023, between the launch of the Leica Q3, the Leica M11 Monochrom and the new silver version of the Leica SL2.

It's also been busy in the non-mirrorless world, celebrating the 60th anniversary of James Bond with the Leica D-Lux 007, re-entering the instant camera market after 7 years with the Leica Sofort 2 hybrid, and continuing its partnership to provide smartphone cameras for the Xiaomi 13T and 13T Pro.

So what else is in store for the most prestigious name in photography, aside from expectations of a new M11-P?

Leica D-Lux 8

Leica has got good mileage out of the D-Lux 7, which is based on the Panasonic LX100 II, with re-releases like the aforementioned D-Lux 007. However, the 2018 camera looks like it's going to be imminently replaced by a D-Lux 8. However, it's not going to be a radically redesigned camera – namely because there isn't a new Panasonic LX100 model to build it from.

There has been plenty of chatter – particularly with the insatiable hunger for fixed-lens APS-C compact cameras like the Fujifilm X100VI and Ricoh GR III – that the D-Lux 8 will have a larger (APS-C) sensor and a fixed focal length. However, there are zero signs that such changes are in order – so we are almost certainly still getting a Micro Four Thirds Sensor and a zoom lens.

I certainly hope that the 17MP sensor gets a resolution bump, as it's not really adequate for a new camera in 2024. That may not be the only change we see here, as it is being reported that the current 24-75mm f/1.7-2.8 lens will be replaced with a new 24-70mm lens – which, unless there's a good reason (such as a fixed aperture or weather sealing) would obviously be a downgrade.

That said, it's a downgrade I could live with if Leica were to bring its phase detect AF technology from the SL3, Q3 and M11 to the D-Lux line!

Leica M11 Black Paint

Word is that we're about to get a Black Paint version of the Leica M11 – often seen as the last dance for an M camera before it is replaced by the next model.

These celebratory editions are often made from brass and, as the name suggests, are coated in gorgeous glossy black paint. This gives the camera a stunning vintage look when it's brand new, but also makes it more susceptible to wear – and as the paint wears, it produces the coveted patina "brassing" effect common to genuine vintage cameras.

However, it sounds special edition might be merged with the…

Leica M11-D

How do you create the most film camera-like experience on a digital camera? Fujifilm does it with film simulations and analog-like exposure controls, and on the Fujifilm X-Pro3 it even tried to hide the rear LCD screen.

However, the way Leica does it is to get rid of the LCD screen (and the evlectronic viewfinder) altogether, so you literally have a digital camera where you cannot "chimp" and check your images after you've taken them.

This is the "D" line of Leica M cameras, and I hear that we're getting a Leica M11-D very soon – though it apparently won't have the fake film advance lever, a step too far that was introduced on the Leica M10-D and wasn't terribly well received.

There are conflicting reports, however, about whether the M11-D and M11 Black Paint will be two separate cameras or will in fact be a single, double-limited edition product. Either way, the M11D has been rumored to appear in May, so we shouldn't have long to wait!

Leica S4

Leica has discontinued its medium format DSLR, the Leica S3. It has long been dropping Easter eggs and teasers about going mirrorless for its next medium format camera, though, and a company exec recently all but spelled it out.

"For the moment, we are stopping S3, but I think there will be plans for a future S4," Cyril Thomas, CEO of Leica France, told Phototrend.

"When will it happen? It's not tomorrow, it's not in the near future. I don't think we will see this in 2024, I don't know about 2025, but I know that Leica has plans in terms of mirrorless cameras in the medium format."

Leica M11-D

Possibly the most niche product line offered by Leica looks set to get a new entry, in the form of the Leica M11-D. This is essentially a Leica M11 but without a rear LCD screen or any menu buttons – making it the closest thing to an analog experience while shooting on a digital camera.

If you want to shoot 60MP images without being able to check if anything was actually in focus or properly exposed, it sounds like you'll be able to buy an M11-D in the latter half of 2024!

The Leica verdict

We're looking forward to seeing Leica turn its hand to mirrorless medium format with the S4 – particularly with the strides that Fujifilm and Hasselbald have made in the arena. Other than that, expect more of the special edition cameras that Leica specializes in. After all, 2024 has some huge anniversaries: 60 years since Muhammad Ali's first world title win, 50 years of Snoopy and Dungeons & Dragons, 40 years of Transformers, 20 years of Peppa Pig and Facebook…

More camera rumors: Canon rumors • Nikon rumors • Sony rumors • Olympus rumors • Fuji rumors • Panasonic rumors • Sigma rumors • Hasselblad rumors • Ricoh & Pentax rumors • GoPro rumors

Ricoh & Pentax rumors 2024

Being one of the most intriguing camera brands in the business, there are plenty of Ricoh rumors to digest - particularly as it also makes Pentax cameras, as well as those under the Ricoh name. This is a manufacturer that truly marches to the beat of its own drum.

It remains absolutely adamant that it won't be going mirrorless with its Pentax brand (after briefly flirting with a mirrorless system years ago) and instead will concentrate on making the best DSLRs – a category that is very much an open goal, with Canon and Nikon both ceasing development of new products. And not content with bog standard DSLRs, this year it launches the Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome – challenging the likes of Leica for the best black-and-white camera crown!

It's also focusing on the best compact camera sector, with the various flavors of its Ricoh GR III. But it has also announced plans to reignite analog photography by bringing the best film cameras back to market.

So what exactly is the company up to? Here are the latest Ricoh and Pentax rumors…

Pentax half-frame film camera

Thanks to its highly obfuscated messaging, there has been plenty of confusion about Pentax's upcoming film camera revival. However, some concrete news was confirmed when revealed that its first release will be a Pentax half-frame camera.

This is ostensibly to target the social media savvy generation, given that half-frame cameras split a 35mm frame in half to deliver two vertical exposures – which also doubles the output / halves the cost by producing 72 photos from a 36-exposure roll of film (or 48 from a 24-roll).

More Pentax film cameras

While we now have clarity on the half-frame camera, Pentax has other film cameras in development – though it has been frustratingly coy about giving us proper details.

In December 2022, it made the very nebulous announcement of its Film Camera Project – but the details were so woolly that consumers were left to speculate on what exactly that meant. Since then, Pentax continued to be elusive when it comes to details – until a European executive gave an interview stating that two affordable compact cameras would come in 2024, followed by a pair of traditional SLRs.

However, it appears he spoke out of turn – perhaps spilling the beans before Pentax Japan's notoriously secretive Film Camera Project team were ready to reveal details. This prompted an official statement disputing, specifically, the two compact cameras – but not, explicitly, the two SLRs:

"We found information on several websites regarding our film camera development. This included two compact film cameras for spring 2024 as mentioned by a colleague working for Ricoh Imaging Europe. This is not our official remark, nor is it based on any fixed information. We are indeed challenging the development of a compact film camera; however, we have not yet decided whether or when we will launch such a product."

So who knows how many more film cameras we might get this year!

Pentax K-1 Mark III

We're finally getting a successor to the Pentax K-1 Mark II – a DSLR that was launched in 2018! The manufacturer recently confirmed that the Pentax K-1 Mark III is in development, while noting that "sourcing digital camera components has become more challenging than ever" and "in order to achieve higher accuracy, more time was invested than initially expected."

"However, rest assured it is currently in progress and please be patient for further news."

Ricoh GR IV

The designer for the Ricoh GR series, Inaba Toshiya, recently teased an announcement for a new product – though stopped short of revealing anything too insightful. Given that the GR II was launched in 2015, and the GR III in 2019, smart money says that a GR IV is imminent.

"The GR is a camera that has been well honed as a snap shooter, so it will not go against that concept," said Inaba. "For example, it will not be an all-mighty camera that can do anything. But it will be a camera that specializes in snap shooters, and that will never change."

Of course, we might have been psyched out by the recently released Ricoh GR III / GR IIIx HDF models…

More Ricoh GR III "filter editions"

In case you missed it, Ricoh launched two "new" versions of the GR: the GR III and GR IIIx HDF. These are identical to the base cameras but, instead of the built-in ND filters, these models have a Highlight Diffusion Filter instead – and both sold out within moments of going on sale.

Now, Ricoh is no stranger to special models – whether it's the multitudes of rainbow-colored Pentax cameras or the endless GR III Diary / Urban / Street / Ing editions, it's not afraid to do a glorified recycle of a popular product.

And it looks like the popularity of these new filter-based models has given Ricoh another bright idea on how to get new money for old rope. "We will consider the possibilities and development of new filters that can contribute to the culture and history of cameras and photography," says the manufacturer on its website, suggesting that more filter-based models might be on the way.

Could we be getting GR IIIs with soft focus filters, pro mist filters, starlight filters? The mind boggles…

Ricoh GR III Monochrome

Given Ricoh's penchant for releasing special editions, after the blockbuster launch of the K-3 Mark III Monochrome, chatter soon started that a black-and-white version of the GR III could be in store.

It's a reasonable assumption, particularly given how many versions of the GR III Ricoh has launched – such as the Ricoh GR IIIx and Ricoh GR III Diary Edition. While the latest word from Japan is that there are no plans for such a camera, it would be such an easy win – given that Ricoh doesn't even have to make a new body, just change the sensor – that we really wouldn't be surprised to see it appear.

Pentax K-3 Mark III Astro

The company announced plans back at the start of 2022 for an astrophotography-focused Pentax K-3 Mark III. Much as the Monochrome edition was a dedicated black-and-white camera, so the Astro version will be specifically for shooting stars.

This model supposedly has a Hα (hydrogen-alpha) sensitivity of x10, so it's likely that nebula will photograph well using this proposed camera. A hydrogen-alpha filter is commonly used among other filters in astrophotography kits to assist in photographing deep sky objects in what's called true-color or broadband. It's been over a year now – does Pentax still plan to challenge the best cameras for astrophotography?

Pentax K-3 Mark III Gunmetal

Announced in January 2022, this seems to be a purely cosmetic makeover of the K-3 Mark III – as was the case with the darker-than-Darth Vader Pentax K-3 Mark III Jet Black.

The Gunmetal variant looks pretty much the same as the Prestige Edition of the original Pentax K-3, released back in 2014, and appears to come with the same Gunmetal grip and 20-40mm lens.

We've heard no updates but – since the cosmetic Jet Black launched in 2022, followed by the new-sensor Monochrome in 2023 – we can see this new cosmetic design materializing in 2024.

Pentax K-3 Mark III Shutter Stroke Change

We really weren't kidding when we said that Ricoh has a penchant for special editions. All we know about this one, announced in 2022, is that it's designed for faster shooting with a shallower shutter stroke.

With it being designed for speed, it might also make sense to up the 12fps maximum burst speed. This could be a big ask for Ricoh's R&D team, especially since Nikon once claimed that 12fps was as fast as DSLR shutters could fire. However, since the Nikon D6 can hit 14fps and the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III hits 16fps, it would be nice for the only DSLR maker left in town to catch up with the ghosts of its rivals.

Pentax K-3 Mark III MF

The final K-3 Mark III variant that Ricoh announced was the MF, which stands for Manual Focus. Again, Ricoh really loves a special edition body – especially since it requires relatively little in the way of additional R&D, since it's using the same camera design with slightly different tech and tweaks inside.

We'll admit, an exclusively manual focus camera in (we assume at the earliest) 2024 is a pretty hard sell. But Pentax fans are the hardest of the hardcore DSLR users, and the nichest of the niche photography aficionados – if anyone can make it work, it's Ricoh.

The Ricoh verdict

Ricoh gonna Ricoh. Far from jumping on trends like the rocket-like growth of vlogging cameras, Ricoh is instead doubling down on DSLRs and SLRs. Why go mirrorless when you can go analog? Pentax cameras are selling well, now that nobody else is making new DSLRs, so Ricoh is making more K-3 Mark IIIs. And given that nobody besides Leica is making new film cameras, it will have another captive audience with its new SLRs. With both Leica and Fujifilm proving that there's life left in the compact camera market, we also expect to see a Ricoh GR IV before long…

More camera rumors: Canon rumors • Nikon rumors • Sony rumors • Olympus rumors • Fuji rumors • Panasonic rumors • Sigma rumors • Hasselblad rumors • Leica rumors • GoPro rumors

GoPro rumors 2024

As the brand expands, I'm seeing more GoPro rumors about applications for its mobile imaging tech beyond the core action camera segment.

We know to expect new numbered (and sometimes colored) iterations of the Hero, for example, but it looks like 2024 is going to see more 360 cameras and even helmet cameras from the Californian company.

These are the GoPro rumors that have been whispered around the water cooler lately…

GoPro tech helmet

GoPro has acquired Australian tech-enabled helmet manufacturer Forcite. However, while Forcite specializes in motorcycle helmets, GoPro intends to expand into other helmet markets – and also plans to partner with other manufacturers.

"In addition to our plan to develop our own GoPro-branded line of helmets, we are excited to partner with other leading helmet brands to help tech-enable their own helmet lines," said GoPro founder Nicholas Woodman. "We have great respect for established brands, and we look forward to working with them to help drive the industry forward, together."

$199 budget camera

This year GoPro will redress its lopsided balance towards high end cameras (where $400 products account for 74% of its business) with a new $199 camera.

No specs have yet made the rounds but, for context, the company is still selling the GoPro Hero10 Black for $249, and the Hero11 Black / Hero11 Black Mini for $299. It will be very interesting to see what it offers at such a low price point without upsetting its own apple cart.

New GoPro Max

After an excruciating 5-year wait, we will finally get a new GoPro Max this year – though it could carry an excruciating $599 price tag.

Since the original Max was launched in 2019, GoPro has fumbled the ball and allowed Insta360 to dance all over the end zone with it. Again there haven't yet been any leaks on specs or info, but with the company alluding to a $599 camera in its most recent earnings call we could very much be looking at a premium product.

The GoPro verdict

Obviously we're going to get a Hero13. But it looks like GoPro is doing more than just surfing its signature product this year, resurrecting its neglected 360 camera and even producing a new entry-level camera. If it can put the GPS in all of them, I'll be a very happy camper!

More camera rumors: Canon rumors • Nikon rumors • Sony rumors • Olympus rumors • Fuji rumors • Panasonic rumors • Sigma rumors • Hasselblad rumors • Leica rumors • Ricoh & Pentax rumors